§ 1033a. Augustus F. Hawkins centers of excellence
(a)
Program authorized
From the amounts appropriated to carry out this part, the Secretary is authorized to award competitive grants to eligible institutions to establish centers of excellence.
(b)
Use of funds
Grants provided by the Secretary under this subpart shall be used to ensure that current and future teachers are highly qualified by carrying out one or more of the following activities:
(1)
Implementing reforms within teacher preparation programs to ensure that such programs are preparing teachers who are highly qualified, are able to understand scientifically valid research, and are able to use advanced technology effectively in the classroom, including use of instructional techniques to improve student academic achievement, by—
(B)
designing (or redesigning) teacher preparation programs that—
(i)
prepare teachers to serve in low-performing schools and close student achievement gaps, and that are based on rigorous academic content, scientifically valid research (including scientifically based reading research and mathematics research, as it becomes available), and challenging State academic content standards and student academic achievement standards; and
(2)
Providing sustained and high-quality preservice clinical experience, including the mentoring of prospective teachers by exemplary teachers, substantially increasing interaction between faculty at institutions of higher education and new and experienced teachers, principals, and other administrators at elementary schools or secondary schools, and providing support, including preparation time, for such interaction.
(3)
Developing and implementing initiatives to promote retention of highly qualified teachers and principals, including minority teachers and principals, including programs that provide—
(4)
Awarding scholarships based on financial need to help students pay the costs of tuition, room, board, and other expenses of completing a teacher preparation program, not to exceed the cost of attendance.
(c)
Application
Any eligible institution desiring a grant under this subpart shall submit an application to the Secretary at such a time, in such a manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
(e)
Limitation on administrative expenses
An eligible institution that receives a grant under this subpart may use not more than two percent of the funds provided to administer the grant.
(f)
Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subpart.